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mettle

noun/ˈmɛtəl/

the ability to cope well with difficulties or to face challenges in a spirited and resilient manner

Despite the numerous challenges they faced during the expedition, their mettle was evident as they navigated through the stormy weather with determination.

resolvecouragefortitude
word origin — Middle English 'mettel', from the Old French 'mettel' meaning 'metal', which metaphorically referred to the strength or quality of a person.

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 155

Set 155 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: mettle, syringe, negotiation, tendency, pariah. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. mettle · noun/ˈmɛtəl/

    the ability to cope well with difficulties or to face challenges in a spirited and resilient manner

    Despite the numerous challenges they faced during the expedition, their mettle was evident as they navigated through the stormy weather with determination.

    Synonyms: resolve, courage, fortitude

    Origin: Middle English 'mettel', from the Old French 'mettel' meaning 'metal', which metaphorically referred to the strength or quality of a person.

  2. syringe · noun/sɪˈrɪnʤ/

    a medical tool used to inject or withdraw fluids from the body

    The nurse carefully filled the syringe with the vaccine before administering it to the patient.

    Synonyms: hypodermic needle, injector, needle

    Origin: from Latin 'syringa,' meaning 'a tube or pipe,' derived from Greek 'syrinx,' meaning 'a tube.'

  3. negotiation · noun/nɪˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/

    the process of discussing terms and reaching an agreement

    The negotiation process took several weeks, as both sides needed to agree on critical terms.

    Synonyms: bargaining, discussion, dialogue

    Origin: from Latin 'negotiatio', from 'negotiari' meaning 'to carry on business'

  4. tendency · noun/ˈtɛn.dən.si/

    an inclination or natural disposition to behave in a particular way

    She has a tendency to procrastinate when faced with large projects.

    Synonyms: inclination, propensity, predisposition

    Origin: Late Latin 'tendentia', from 'tendere' meaning 'to stretch, to tend'

  5. pariah · noun/pəˈraɪə/

    a person who is rejected from a social group or has been ostracized

    After the scandal, he became a **pariah** in his community, shunned by his former friends and colleagues.

    Synonyms: outcast, leper, recluse

    Origin: From Hindi 'pāray' meaning 'outcaste', from Sanskrit 'parāya' which referred to someone outside the societal norms.